similarity between first seizure and recurrent seizures in children

abstract background: the efficacy of anticonvulsants after a first seizure is uncertain the more predictable the time and the type of recunent seizure, the more preventable the probable events. this study was conducted to evaluate sirnilmity of type and time of a first seizure and its recuttence in children. methods: 174 children with at least two separate seizures were taken into account. results: overall in 90.5% the sleep-wake state at the second seizure was the same as the first one, while the seizure type was consistent from the first seizure to the second with 95.9% being the same. conclusion: this infonnation should be helpful in 1) counseling parents after their child has had a first seizure, and 2) in answering the question whether treatment should be started in a child presenting with a first epi ieptic seizure.